ADHD and Antidepressants

Antidepressants are considered a second-line therapy in the treatment of ADHD. Clinicians are advised to use them only after an individual fails to adequately respond to at least two stimulants and the non-stimulant atomoxetine. The most common types of antidepressants used include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and buproprion (a.k.a. Wellbutrin).

• ADHD and Tricyclics
• ADHD and Bupropion

Trazodone

The most common side effects associated with trazodone use include: nausea, dizziness, muscle pain, loss of coordination, tiredness, dry mouth, constipaton, headache and blurred vision. Call your doctor immediately if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: unsual changes in behavior, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you

feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Drug interactions

Patients taking trazadone are advised to avoid alcohol. It is also important to inform your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. The following drugs may

interact with trazadone:

•indinavir (Crixivan) or ritonavir (Norvir);

•ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);

•digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

•carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin);

•warfarin (Coumadin);

•MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Mirtazapine

Remeron may cause weight gain, sometimes this may requiring discontinuation of treatment. Mirtazapine may increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Other

common side effects include: dizziness, nausea, flu symptoms and constipation. Seek immediate medical attention when you experience any severe side effect such as Severe allergic reactions, mental or mood changes thoughts of hurting yourself, tremors and worsening of depression.

Drug interactions

Mirtazapine potentiates the sedating effects of other drugs of drugs that can cause sedation such as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs, the narcotic pain relievers, tricyclic class of antidepressants, certain drugs for hypertension and some antihistamines. Mirtazapine should not be used with MAO inhibitors such as selegilin (Carbex), phenelzine (Nardil), furazolidone (Furoxone), procarbazine (Matulane), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Avoid drinking alcohol because it may worsen some of the

side effects of mirtzapine.

TCAs inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.²TCAs can be a good choice for ADHDers with an associated disorder such as anxiety, depression, oppositional disorders and...

Read more about ADHD and Tricyclics.

Bupropion increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body by slowing the reuptake of neurotransmitters.

Read more about ADHD and Bupropion.